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10 things to do/consider – client homework

You just called. You want to meet, I’m looking forward to seeing and hearing about your project. Many initial meetings start off from square zero, not square one. In this post, I offer some tips to save both money and time as both are precious. You took the first step and decided to call someone, I’m glad you found me. Do yourself a favor and start thinking about your project – I will bring my own ideas, what I need to hear are yours. Here’s some things to consider and be prepared to chat about when we meet:

1. Dislikes: This is so important!! What do you dislike? It would seem that we’d want to begin with what you DO like, and we will. Interestingly, I find that I learn more about your aesthetic from hearing about things you don’t like.

2. Preferences: What do you like? do you have pictures? magazine clippings? pages tagged in a book? If you feel strongly about any of it, let’s save some time. Please be ready to show them to me! If you could have a set of color copies or digital images that I can take with me, all the better.

3. Budget: Please form an idea of what you would like to spend on the project. If you’re on a particularly tight budget, let’s talk about how to make the most of what you’d like to spend. If you are more concerned with ‘doing it right’ than with a particular spending limit, tell me that too. It isn’t my job to find ways to spend all you have, though many clients underestimate the real world costs of the design and installation of their visions.

4. Notes: Prepare to take notes. Even in our first meeting, I will most likely be happy to answer some questions and discuss the direction your project may take. Who knows what we’ll talk about?!

5. Soil testing: an inexpensive test that is especially useful if you will grow any edibles. I know that I would never plant something I might eat without knowing first what kind of contaminants are present where I will be growing that food. For example, did you know that strawberries concentrate lead from soil into the berries?

6. Site survey: okay, this should probably be the first thing. Depending on your site and the extent of the project, it can make sense for you to have a professional survey done. Wait until we meet and I can help you find a surveying company and we can discuss what should be included in the survey. A big money waster is getting surveys re-done or my needing to supplement any missed information. If the project is small enough that you can taking measurements yourself, you can save some time (=money) by having those measurements ready to go.

7. Maintenance: Who will be doing this? You or a hired gardener? How much time are you willing to spend/pay for? There is no such thing as a zero maintenance garden. Your project is an investment in the property – be prepared to protect your investment by caring for it.

8. Function: How will you use the project/garden/site? is it for viewing only, relaxing, active play? Do you throw an annual BBQ with 50 guests? Do you never throw parties and this is a sanctuary for you?

9. Imagination: Gather up some enthusiasm and let’s get to work. The best reward in garden design and landscape architecture is getting to create something that will be appreciated by someone. Doesn’t matter to me if that someone is an individual or the public at large, let’s talk about your motivations for doing the project today and what will be helpful to you.

10. Reading: read my blog. I started it and post to it so that clients can be as well informed as possible. Ask me questions, e-mail me, whatever.